Living in a foreign country brings not only excitement but also anxiety, doesn’t it?

This page carefully selects only truly useful information about housing, healthcare, and visa procedures to support your life in Japan.

Finding a place to live in Japan can be challenging due to language barriers and cultural differences. 

But don’t worry—there are more and more services tailored to help foreigners find housing. 

This section will show you how to find foreigner-friendly apartments, save on initial moving costs and the system of guarantors and guarantee companies.

To ensure a smooth housing search, utilize real estate websites that offer multilingual information and specialize in supporting foreigners. 

These sites allow you to search for properties and understand contract details with confidence, even if you are not fluent in Japanese.

🌐 Look for properties that mention “foreigner-friendly” and have multilingual assistance for a smoother process.

When renting a property in Japan, it's common to incur initial costs beyond just the monthly rent. 

These typically include a "security deposit" (敷金 - shikikin), "key money" (礼金 - reikin), and a "brokerage fee" (仲介手数料 - chukai tesuryō).

Since these expenses can easily amount to several months' worth of rent, it's understandable that most people would want to keep them as low as possible.

🔍 When searching, use keywords such as "no initial costs" (初期費用なし), "foreigners welcome" (外国人可), or "free rent" (フリーレント) to find suitable properties.

Always review your contract with either a translation or English support. 

And don't forget to check the living environment and surrounding facilities before you move in!

In Japan, when renting an apartment, you often need a guarantor or a guarantor company to cover rent or repair costs in case of trouble.

✅ For foreigners, using a guarantor company is usually easier and more reliable.

To ensure a smooth start to your new life in Japan, it's important to understand local rules and Japanese living customs. 

In particular, rules for garbage disposal, property restoration upon moving out, and etiquette with neighbors are crucial for avoiding trouble.

Japan's garbage disposal rules are very detailed, and sorting methods and collection days vary by region (city, town, or ward). 

If you don't sort correctly, your garbage might not be collected, or it could cause problems with neighbors.

🔗 After moving in, landlords or management companies often provide guidance on garbage disposal, so be sure to check thoroughly and ask questions if anything is unclear.

"Genjō Kaifuku" (原状回復 - restoring property to its original condition) refers to the obligation to return a rented property to its original state when moving out. 

This does not include deterioration over time or wear and tear from normal use but rather means repairing any dirt, damage, or breakage caused intentionally or through negligence by the tenant.

🔊 Noise and Neighbor Etiquette

Japan values a quiet and peaceful living environment. Keep in mind:

• Avoid loud music, vacuuming, or shouting at night (especially after 10 p.m.)
  
  

• Don’t leave personal items in shared spaces like hallways.
  
  

• Smoking on balconies or entrances may bother others.
  
  

👂 Noise complaints often go to the management company. Being aware of these cultural norms helps you avoid problems.

✅ What You Need When Signing a Lease

• Explain guarantors and guarantee companies
  
  

• Options for non-Japanese speakers: multilingual agents & interpretation services
  
  

✅ Things to Know When You Start Living

• Garbage disposal rules (vary by area; link to local government pages)
  
  

• What is “restoration to original condition”? Avoiding disputes when moving out
  
  

• Noise etiquette and neighbor relations

Noise Troubles and Etiquette

In apartment living, consideration for neighbors is essential. Noise and etiquette issues are common worldwide, but in Japan, there's a strong preference for quiet living.

• Consideration for Living Sounds:

  • During nighttime (especially after 10 PM) and early morning, refrain from loud conversations, high TV/music volume, and using washing machines or vacuum cleaners.

  • Be mindful of footsteps and sounds from above/below. Wearing slippers and using soundproof mats can be effective.

• Manners in Common Spaces:

  • Common areas like hallways, stairs, and entrances should be used with consideration for other residents: don't leave personal belongings, keep them clean, and avoid loud conversations.

  • Pay attention to small details, such as not leaving flyers in communal mailboxes and using bicycle parking according to the rules.

• Greetings:

  • After moving in, a simple greeting to your immediate neighbors (next door, above, and below) can help foster good relationships.

• Garbage Disposal Area Etiquette:

  • Beyond sorting, ensure you dispose of garbage on the morning of the designated collection day and keep the area clean according to the rules.

🏥 Section ②: Medical Care in Japan

If you need to visit a hospital in Japan, it can be confusing due to the language and unfamiliar rules.
This explains how to use medical services, reduce costs, and take care of your mental health in an easy-to-understand way.

✅ When you need to go to the hospital

Where should you go? What do you need to bring?
Here we explain what kind of facility to visit depending on your symptoms, and what to prepare.

🔹 For mild symptoms (colds, minor injuries, allergies)

→ Visit a clinic such as internal medicine or dermatology.
Some clinics require an appointment, so check in advance by phone or website.

🔹 For serious symptoms (high fever, severe injury, unconsciousness)

→ Go to a general hospital or call an ambulance (📞119).
Note: Ambulance service is free but should only be used in emergencies.

🔹 Bring your health insurance card

→ Showing your health insurance card reduces your medical costs significantly. Don’t forget it.

🔹 Use medical interpreting services

→ Some hospitals offer free interpreting services (via tablet or phone) in English, Chinese, Spanish, and more.

👉 Foreign-language-friendly hospital list:
Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare - Multilingual Hospitals

✅ How to reduce medical costs

Joining health insurance is the key to affordable healthcare.
Tourist visa holders must be especially careful.

🔹 Join National Health Insurance (NHI)

→ If you have residence registration in Japan, you must join NHI.
Once enrolled, you only pay 30% of the medical cost, and the government pays the rest.

🔹 If you are not insured…

→ Tourist visa holders (90 days or less) cannot join NHI.
Without insurance, you must pay 100% of all medical fees, which can be extremely expensive.
We recommend travel insurance for short-term visitors.

🔹 Things to watch out for

→ Some hospitals may require full payment in advance even if you have insurance, especially for foreign nationals.
Always ask about payment methods before receiving treatment.

✅ Mental health care

If you're feeling stressed, anxious, or overwhelmed, it's okay to talk to someone.
This section introduces mental health services and counseling options.

🔹 Difference between psychiatry and psychosomatic medicine

→ Psychiatry treats mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety, panic disorders, hallucinations, etc.
→ Psychosomatic medicine treats physical symptoms caused by stress, such as stomachaches, headaches, or heart palpitations.

🔹 Anonymous counseling options

→ You can talk without giving your name.
Many services support English and easy Japanese, and are free of charge.

💬 Chat-based support (anonymous)

• Tokyo English Lifeline (TELL)
  　https://telljp.com/
  　English support / Free chat and phone counseling
  
  

📞 Phone support (multi-language, easy Japanese)

• Yorisoi Hotline
  　TEL: 0120-279-338
  　Free, available 24/7, with multilingual interpreters
  
  

📝 Emergency contacts

Call emergency services when in serious trouble or danger.

• 🚑 Ambulance / 119 (free)
  　→ Use for serious injury or illness when you can’t move
  
  

• 🚓 Police / 110 (free)
  　→ Use when you witness a crime, accident, or are in danger

🏥 Section ②: About Medical Care in Japan

Understanding how to access medical care in Japan is crucial for a comfortable and secure life. Here, we'll explain the Japanese medical system in an easy-to-understand way.

✅ When Do You Need to Go to the Hospital?

It can be confusing to know where to go when you're not feeling well. Learn how to respond appropriately based on the severity of your symptoms.

1. Responding to Mild vs. Severe Symptoms

• For relatively mild symptoms (e.g., common cold, mild stomachache, allergies):

  • First, look for a "clinic (診療所/クリニック)" or a "medical office (医院)." These are small, local facilities that handle general illnesses.

  • Many allow walk-ins, but calling ahead to confirm can make your visit smoother.

  • If you need a specialist, search for clinics specializing in areas like "Internal Medicine (内科)," "Dermatology (皮膚科)," "ENT (耳鼻咽喉科)," or "Ophthalmology (眼科)."

  • Check their operating hours and try to visit during regular consultation times.

• For severe or urgent symptoms (e.g., unconsciousness, severe chest pain, heavy bleeding):

  • Immediately call an ambulance (救急車). The phone number is 119 (the same as for fires).

  • Please remember that ambulances are only for life-threatening emergencies. Do not use them as a substitute for a taxi.

  • If you can travel to a hospital yourself, you can go to a general hospital with an "emergency outpatient department (救急外来)." However, emergency departments prioritize critically ill patients, so wait times can be long.

2. The Importance of Your Health Insurance Card and Medical Interpreter

• Always bring your "Health Insurance Card (健康保険証)"!

  • This is an essential card that proves you are enrolled in Japan's public medical insurance system.

  • Presenting it will generally reduce your medical expenses to 30% of the total cost (the insurance covers 70%). Without your insurance card, you'll temporarily have to pay 100% of the medical cost.

  • Always show it at the reception desk when you arrive for your appointment.

  • If you forget your insurance card, you'll pay the full amount for that day's medical services. However, you can later bring your insurance card and receipt back to the hospital to get a refund for the insured portion.

• Utilizing a Medical Interpreter (医療通訳)

  • Unfortunately, not all hospitals and clinics in Japan have doctors or staff who speak foreign languages.

  • To accurately communicate your symptoms and physical condition, especially if you're not fluent in Japanese, consider using a medical interpreter.

  • Some hospitals may offer medical interpretation services or provide tablet-based translation tools.

  • Local governments (ward or city offices) and NPOs sometimes offer medical interpretation services for foreign residents, so it's a good idea to research these in advance.

  • Learning a few simple phrases to describe your symptoms and using translation apps can also be very helpful.

3. Introduction to Foreign Language-Friendly Hospital Lists

The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) and various local governments publish lists of medical institutions that offer foreign language support. Use these resources to find hospitals where you can feel comfortable receiving care.

• Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) Website:

  • Search on the "Medical Information Net" (医療情報ネット) or related MHLW pages to find information on medical institutions with foreign language support.

• Prefectural and Municipal Websites:

  • Many local government international exchange associations and foreign resident consultation centers also provide regional lists on their websites.

✅ How to Reduce Medical Expenses?

Medical expenses in Japan might seem high, but joining public health insurance can significantly lower your out-of-pocket costs.

1. The Obligation to Join National Health Insurance and Its Benefits

• Obligation to Join:

  • All foreign residents staying in Japan for more than 3 months (mid- to long-term residents, special permanent residents) are obligated to join National Health Insurance (国民健康保険 - Kokumin Kenko Hoken).

  • If you are employed and enrolled in your company's social insurance (health insurance and employee pension), you will be covered by that, not National Health Insurance.

  • You can complete the enrollment process at your local ward or city office.

• Benefits:

  • 30% Medical Cost Burden: When you visit a hospital or clinic due to illness or injury, the insurance covers 70% of the medical costs, so your out-of-pocket payment is only 30%.

  • High-Cost Medical Care System (高額療養費制度 - Kōgaku Ryōyōhi Seido): If your medical expenses for a single month become very high, any amount exceeding a certain threshold will be reimbursed. This system significantly eases the financial burden on households.

2. Not Possible with a Tourist Visa / Cautions Regarding Foreign Medical Systems

• For Tourist Visa Holders:

  • If you are staying in Japan on a tourist visa, you cannot enroll in National Health Insurance.

  • Therefore, if you need medical attention, you will be responsible for 100% of the medical costs out-of-pocket.

  • It is strongly recommended that you purchase overseas travel insurance before coming to Japan. This will help cover unexpected medical expenses.

• Cautions Regarding Foreign Medical Systems:

  • Japan's medical insurance system is designed to ensure that all residents (including foreign nationals) can receive medical care with peace of mind. However, it's essential to understand the system.

  • Without an insurance card or for treatments not covered by insurance (private medical care), costs can be very high.

✅ Mental Health (Caring for Your Mind)

Living in a new environment, work, and relationships can sometimes lead to stress. Your mental health is just as important as your physical health.

1. Difference Between Psychiatry (精神科) and Psychosomatic Medicine (心療内科)

When you feel mental distress, you might wonder where to seek help.

• Psychiatry (精神科 - Seishinka)

  • Primarily deals with mental illnesses themselves.

  • You should visit a psychiatrist if you have symptoms like depression, anxiety disorders, or schizophrenia, where mental symptoms are primary.

  • Treatment often includes medication and psychotherapy (counseling).

• Psychosomatic Medicine (心療内科 - Shinryōnaika)

  • Primarily deals with physical symptoms caused by mental stress.

  • For example, if you experience stomachaches (irritable bowel syndrome), headaches, or dizziness due to stress, you would visit this department.

  • Treatment focuses on both mental care and alleviating physical symptoms.

• If you're unsure which to choose:

  • If your primary symptoms are mental, such as "feeling down" or "difficulty sleeping," psychiatry might be more appropriate.

  • If your primary symptoms are physical, like "stomach pain from stress" or "heart palpitations when nervous," psychosomatic medicine might be better.

  • In many cases, clinics offer both specialties, and even if you choose the "wrong" one, they can guide you to the appropriate department.

2. Anonymous Chat and Phone Consultation Services

If you want someone to talk to but hesitate to visit a hospital, there are anonymous consultation services available.

• Multi-language Consultation Services:

  • Local Government Foreign Resident Consultation Desks: Many local governments (ward/city offices) and international exchange associations offer multi-language consultation services for foreign residents. They can provide general life advice as well as information related to mental health.

  • TELL Lifeline: Provides anonymous English-language phone counseling for mental health to foreign residents in Japan (Japanese support may also be available).

  • Yorisoi Hotline (よりそいホットライン): A multi-language phone consultation service for people facing various difficulties, including those affected by disasters.

  • Kokoro no Kenko Sodan Toitsu Dial (こころの健康相談統一ダイヤル - Mental Health Consultation Unified Dial): While primarily in Japanese, it can guide you to specialized consultation agencies in your area.

• Online/Chat Consultations:

  • In recent years, more consultation services are available via chat or social media platforms like LINE. These can be easier for people who find it difficult to speak, as they allow you to organize your thoughts in writing. Specific services may vary by time and organization, so try searching for keywords like "foreigners mental health consultation" on your local NPO or government websites.

Don't try to handle everything alone. Consulting with professionals or trusted individuals is the first step toward maintaining your mental well-being.

[Disclaimer] This information is for general guidance. For specific symptoms or situations, please always consult a medical professional. Systems and fees may change, so please check the official websites of relevant organizations for the latest information.

🛂 Section ③: Visas and Residency Procedures

To live in Japan, you need the proper visa (residence status) and must complete certain procedures on time.
This section explains the types of visas, how to get them, and how to renew or change them.

✅ What kind of visa do you need?

The type of visa depends on what you plan to do in Japan.
Choosing the right one is the first step for a safe and legal stay.

🔹 What is a visa (residence status)?

→ In Japan, your visa type is based on your purpose of stay.
Here are some common examples:

Visa Type

Who it’s for

Example Activities

Work Visa

People employed in Japan

Engineer, teacher, translator

Student Visa

People studying at school

University, language school

Dependent Visa

Family of someone in Japan

Living with spouse or children

Specified/Skill Visa

Technical, working holiday, etc.

Technical intern, specified work

🔸 Note: Most visas have limitations on what you can do.
For example, a student must apply for a permit to work part-time.

🔹 Prepare before coming to Japan

→ In most cases, you must apply for a visa at a Japanese embassy or consulate in your home country.

• Get documents ready early (such as admission letters or job offers).
  
  

• After arriving in Japan, you must register your residence, receive your Residence Card, and join health insurance at your city office.
  
  

✅ Renewal and changes to your visa

Most visas have an expiration date.
You must renew or change your visa before it expires.

🔹 Where to go: Immigration Services Agency of Japan (ISA)

→ This used to be called the “Immigration Bureau.”
→ Each region has a local immigration office.
Applications can be made by the applicant or their school/employer.

Official website (multilingual):
👉 https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/

🔹 Common procedures

• Visa renewal: For extending your stay (apply up to 3 months before expiration)
  
  

• Visa change: If your activity changes (example: student → working), you must change your visa type.
  
  

🔹 Required documents

→ The documents you need depend on your visa type.
Examples:

Procedure Type

Example Documents

Work visa renewal

Employment contract, salary statement, company registration

Student visa renewal

Certificate of enrollment, transcript, financial documents

🔸 Important: If documents are incomplete or incorrect, your application may be delayed.
Always check the ISA website for the latest information.

📌 If you’re unsure, you can ask a certified immigration lawyer or contact a local international support center.

🛂 Section ③: About Visas and Residence Procedures

To live legally and securely in Japan, it's essential to correctly understand your visa (Status of Residence) and complete all necessary procedures.

✅ Types of Visas and What You Need

Foreign nationals staying in Japan hold a "Status of Residence" (generally referred to as a "visa") corresponding to their activities. This Status of Residence determines the scope of activities you are permitted to engage in while in Japan.

Main Types of Visas (Status of Residence) and Their Activity Scope

• Work Visa (就労ビザ / Work-related Status of Residence)

  • Purpose: For foreign nationals who will work for a company in Japan.

  • Activity Scope: The type and field of work you can engage in are specifically defined by the visa type (e.g., "Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services," "Specified Skilled Worker"). In principle, you cannot perform work outside the scope permitted by your visa.

• Student Visa (留学 / Student)

  • Purpose: For foreign nationals studying at universities, vocational schools, or Japanese language schools in Japan.

  • Activity Scope: Academic study is the primary activity. In principle, you can engage in part-time work if you obtain "Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted by the Status of Residence," but there are restrictions on hours and job types.

• Family Stay Visa (家族滞在 / Dependent)

  • Purpose: For spouses and children who are financially dependent on a foreign national staying in Japan on a work or student visa.

  • Activity Scope: The primary activity is to reside in Japan as a dependent. If "Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted by the Status of Residence" is obtained, part-time work for up to 28 hours per week is allowed.

• Designated Activities Visa (特定活動 / Designated Activities)

  • Purpose: For foreign nationals engaging in specific activities not covered by the above categories.

  • Activity Scope: This is specifically defined according to the concrete activity, such as "Working Holiday," "Internship," or "Medical Stay."

【Important】Always understand the scope of activities permitted by your visa and avoid engaging in activities outside that scope. If you wish to engage in activities other than those permitted, you will generally need "Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted by the Status of Residence."

Preparing Before Coming to Japan is Crucial for Visa Acquisition!

For most long-term visas, you need to start the application process before coming to Japan.

1. Obtain a "Certificate of Eligibility (COE) - 在留資格認定証明書"

   • This document is obtained by a company or school in Japan, or their representative, who applies on your behalf to the Immigration Services Agency of Japan.

   • Once the COE is issued, you submit it to the Japanese Embassy or Consulate in your home country to have your visa (entry permit) issued.

2. Prepare Documents

   • The necessary documents vary widely depending on the visa type, including academic certificates, employment history, employment contracts, and bank balance statements.

   • Most of these documents need to be prepared in your home country. It can be difficult to prepare them after you arrive in Japan, so it's very important to allow ample time for preparation before your departure.

3. Gather Information and Consult Professionals

   • Visa types and acquisition procedures can change frequently. Always check the official websites of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Japanese Embassy/Consulate for the latest information.

   • For complex cases or if you have concerns, it's advisable to consult with specialists such as administrative scriveners (Gyoseishoshi) or lawyers, or foreign resident consultation services.

✅ Renewal and Change Procedures

If you intend to continue staying in Japan or if your activities change, you must complete the prescribed procedures.

Where to Apply: Immigration Services Agency of Japan (Formerly Immigration Bureau)

• All applications and procedures related to visas (Status of Residence) in Japan are handled by the "Immigration Services Agency of Japan (出入国在留管理庁 - Shutsunyuukoku Zairyuu Kanricho)."

• There are regional Immigration Services Bureaus (地方出入国在留管理局) across the country, and you will need to apply at the bureau, branch office, or district office that has jurisdiction over your residential area.

1. Application for Extension of Period of Stay (在留期間更新許可申請)

• Purpose: This is necessary if you wish to extend your stay in Japan without changing the activities permitted by your current visa (Status of Residence).

• Example: If you hold a "Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services" visa and will continue working for the same company.

• Application Period: You can apply starting approximately 3 months before your current period of stay expires. It's important to apply with ample time, not at the last minute.

2. Application for Change of Status of Residence (在留資格変更許可申請)

• Purpose: This is necessary if you wish to change the type of activities permitted by your current visa.

• Example: If you were staying in Japan on a Student Visa but will start working for a Japanese company after graduation, you would apply to change to a Work Visa.

Required Documents and Recommendation to Check Online

The documents required for these applications vary significantly depending on the visa type and individual circumstances.

• Examples of commonly required documents:

  • Passport

  • Residence Card (在留カード - Zairyu Card)

  • Application form (can be downloaded from the Immigration Services Agency of Japan website)

  • Passport-sized photo

• Examples of additional documents depending on activity:

  • Work-related: Employment contract, company registration certificate, financial statements, tax certificates, etc.

  • Study-related: Certificate of enrollment, academic transcript, proof of tuition payment, financial solvency documents, etc.

  • Family Stay: Marriage certificate, birth certificate, copies of the supporter's passport and residence card, certificate of residence, tax certificates, bank balance statements, etc.

【Most Important】Always check the official website of the Immigration Services Agency of Japan for the latest information!

• Required documents and procedures can change due to legal revisions or system updates.

• The website provides detailed lists of documents required for each application. Prepare carefully according to the list to avoid any omissions.

• Some applications are now available online. You may want to check the website to see if your case is eligible for online application.

[Disclaimer] This information is general guidance. Visa and residence status procedures can be highly complex depending on individual circumstances. Always check the official website of the Immigration Services Agency of Japan for the latest information or consult with a specialist (such as an administrative scrivener or lawyer). It is crucial to comply with the rules to avoid issues such as illegal overstay or illegal employment.

🤝 Section ④: Where to Get Help in Times of Trouble

Do you know where to ask for help when you're in trouble in Japan?
This section introduces emergency contacts, multilingual hotlines, and support centers you can rely on.

✅ In case of emergency: police, ambulance, disasters

🔹 Police (Dial 110)

→ Call this number to report crimes, accidents, or if you feel unsafe. Free to call.

🔹 Ambulance / Fire (Dial 119)

→ Call when someone is seriously injured or sick, or for a fire. This is also free.

🔹 Multilingual Disaster Support Line

→ For help in natural disasters like earthquakes or typhoons.
📞 03-5285-5181
Provided by CLAIR (Council of Local Authorities for International Relations)
Supports English, Chinese, and more.

✅ Public & private consultation hotlines

If you’re in trouble but don’t know who to talk to, anonymous help is available.

Service Name

What They Help With

Languages

Yorisoi Hotline

Daily life, DV, labor, general advice

Multilingual / anonymous / 24h

TELL (Tokyo English Lifeline)

Mental health and emotional support

English / phone and chat

Houterasu (Japan Legal Support Center)

Legal issues and contracts

Easy Japanese / English, etc.

✅ Local international support centers

Your city may have organizations that support foreign residents with daily life and information.
Try searching “Your City Name International Association” online.

📍 Example – Osaka area:

• Osaka Multilingual Information Center
  
  

• MAFGA (Minoh Association for Global Awareness)
  
  

📄 Section ⑤: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are some common questions from foreign residents in Japan.

❓Q1: How can I study Japanese?

→ You can join a local volunteer language class or study online.
Recommended resources:

• NHK World "Easy Japanese" (free)
  
  

• City-run Japanese language classes (ask at city hall)
  
  

❓Q2: What should I do if I have a problem with a contract?

→ Complicated contracts in Japanese may cause trouble like high cancellation fees or eviction.
Free consultations are available through Houterasu or the Consumer Affairs Center.

❓Q3: Can I rent an apartment without a guarantor?

→ In many cases, a guarantor is required, but you can use a guarantor company instead.
Some real estate agents also specialize in helping foreigners, and public housing options may be available.

🎨 Bonus: Site Structure Tips

Guide users to the next helpful page with clear internal links.

🔗 Examples of “Next Article” links:

• From the medical page → “How to get a health insurance card”
  
  

• From the visa page → “Steps for resident registration and NHI enrollment”
  
  

• From the garbage page → “Examples of waste separation”
  
  

→ These context-based link buttons help users find the info they need easily and naturally, improving site experience.

🤝 Section ④: Where to Go for Help When You're in Trouble

When you encounter unexpected troubles or difficulties living in Japan, it's incredibly important not to struggle alone but to know where you can seek advice. Here, we'll introduce consultation services for both emergencies and general concerns.

1. Emergencies: When You Need Immediate Help

If you're facing a life-threatening emergency or have been involved in a crime, don't hesitate to call the following numbers:

• Police (警察): Dial 110

  • Call this number if you're involved in an incident, accident, or crime, or if you spot a suspicious person and need police assistance.

  • Communication is primarily in Japanese, but some police stations now offer multilingual interpretation services.

• Fire Department (消防) / Ambulance (救急): Dial 119

  • Call this number in case of a fire or if you need an ambulance for a sudden illness or serious injury.

  • Remember, ambulances are only for urgent, life-threatening situations. Please avoid calling for minor symptoms.

• Multilingual Disaster Hotline (多言語災害ダイヤル)

  • During large-scale disasters, a multilingual phone service may be set up to help foreign residents gather information, confirm safety, and seek advice regarding evacuation.

  • It's a good idea to check your local government or international exchange association websites in advance for information on how to get updates and emergency contacts during disasters.

2. Public and Private Consultation Services (Anonymous OK / Language Support Available)

When you're facing everyday problems or have worries you can't discuss with anyone else, reach out to specialized consultation services. Many offer anonymous consultations and multilingual support.

• Local Government Consultation Services for Foreigners

  • These services are often run by your local ward/city office or international exchange association.

  • They offer multilingual support for general living concerns (e.g., status of residence, work, medical care, education, childcare, taxes).

  • Starting with your local consultation service can often help you get the right information or be referred to other specialized organizations.

• Houterasu (Japan Legal Support Center)

  • Provides free legal consultations for various legal issues (e.g., debt, labor disputes, divorce).

  • They also offer a multilingual information service, allowing you to consult with an interpreter.

• Labor Standards Inspection Office (労働基準監督署)

  • Accepts consultations regarding workplace labor issues, such as unpaid wages, unfair dismissal, or harassment.

  • Some offices also have consultation services specifically for foreign workers.

• Mental Health and Welfare Centers (精神保健福祉センター)

  • These are specialized consultation services for mental health concerns. Experts provide advice and information regarding mental distress or worries.

• NPO and Private Organization Consultation Services

  • Many NPOs and private organizations in Japan aim to support foreign residents.

  • Some offer specialized consultation services for specific areas like general living advice, legal advice, medical advice, or domestic violence (DV) counseling. Others provide multilingual phone or chat consultations. Try searching online with keywords like "foreigners consultation [your area]".

3. Introducing Local International Exchange Associations and Multicultural Centers

• International Exchange Associations (国際交流協会) and Multicultural Centers (多文化共生センター) offer various forms of support to help foreign residents integrate into the local community and live with peace of mind.

• Main Activities:

  • Holding Japanese language classes

  • Life consultations (multilingual support)

  • Planning and holding events and交流会 (interaction gatherings)

  • Providing disaster information

  • Providing local information (hospitals, schools, administrative procedures)

• These facilities can be used not only for addressing problems but also as places to interact with local residents. Don't hesitate to visit them.

📄 Section ⑤: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are common questions asked by foreign residents, along with their answers.

Q1: How can I study Japanese?

A1: There are many ways to learn Japanese:

• Local Japanese Language Classes: Many local governments and international exchange associations offer affordable or free Japanese classes, which are also a great way to meet other foreign residents in your area.

• Online Learning: Numerous tools like smartphone apps, websites, and online Japanese lessons allow you to learn easily from home.

• Language Schools: If you want to learn intensively in a short period, attending a specialized Japanese language school might be a good option.

• Daily Practice: Actively create opportunities to use Japanese. Conversations in stores, greetings with neighbors, and listening to TV or radio can all be effective.

Q2: Where can I seek advice if I have problems with a contract?

A2: Troubles can arise with various contracts, such as those for mobile phones, internet, rental housing, or part-time jobs.

• Consumer Hotline (消費者ホットライン): Dial 188

  • This is a nationwide phone number for consumer issues related to products and services. It connects you to your nearest consumer affairs center.

• Houterasu (Japan Legal Support Center)

  • You can consult about all kinds of legal troubles. Use this service if you don't understand the meaning of a contract, or if a contract has been unilaterally canceled.

• Local Government Consultation Services for Foreigners

  • They provide basic advice on contracts in multiple languages and can refer you to specialized agencies.

It's extremely important to thoroughly understand the contents of a contract before signing. If you don't understand, always consult someone or confirm the content through an interpreter.

Q3: Can I rent an apartment or condominium without a guarantor?

A3: When renting a property in Japan, a "joint guarantor (連帯保証人)" is often required. However, there are ways for foreign nationals without a guarantor to rent a room.

• Utilize a Guarantor Company (保証会社):

  • This service acts as a substitute for a guarantor by paying a guarantee fee. Many real estate companies use this system.

  • While there is an application screening process, this is the most common method for foreign nationals without a guarantor.

• Housing Services for Foreigners:

  • There are real estate agencies specializing in foreigners or services that handle guarantor-free properties for foreign residents.

• UR Rental Housing (UR賃貸住宅):

  • Rental properties managed by the Urban Renaissance Agency (UR). They generally do not require key money (reikin), brokerage fees, renewal fees, or a guarantor.

First, consult with a real estate agency and tell them you'd like to use a guarantor company.

Q4: I want to know about Japanese culture and customs.

A4: Engaging with Japanese culture and customs can enrich your life significantly.

• International Exchange Associations and Multicultural Centers: Many locations hold cultural experience events (e.g., tea ceremony, kimono, calligraphy) and exchange gatherings with local residents.

• Local Events: Actively participate in festivals and local celebrations.

• Libraries: They offer a wealth of books and materials on Japanese culture and history.

• TV and Internet: Watching Japanese programs or Browse websites about culture can also be good sources of information.

🎨 Additional Notes: Overall Website Structure Enhancements

By refining the overall structure of your website, you can make it more user-friendly and help visitors find the information they need more easily.

• Increase Site Navigation with "Next Steps" Links

  • At the end of each section, include links to other related sections or articles.

  • Examples:

    • At the end of the medical section: "For more details on National Health Insurance, please refer to the [FAQ on Social Security System]."

    • At the end of the visa section: "For information on job hunting in Japan, please visit the [Employment Support Page]."

    • At the end of the consultation services section: "If you're interested in studying Japanese, head to the [Japanese Language Learning Guide]."

  • This will allow visitors to navigate smoothly within the site, find related information continuously, and improve overall dwell time and satisfaction.

  • Using specific link text that encourages clicks will be very effective.